Work

Grey relational analysis-based optimisation of bioethanol production process parameters derived from cassava peels

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The emissions from fossil fuels causes severe air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, driving climate change and health risks. Thus, finding renewable and eco-friendly alternative fuels is urgently needed for energy security and environmental sustainability. This study aimed to produce bioethanol from cassava peels and optimize the production parameters to maximize bioethanol yield and purity. The experimental design was developed using orthogonal array, while Grey Relational Analysis and Analysis of Variance were applied to determine the optimal process conditions and evaluate the significance of process parameters. Cassava peels were collected, washed, sun-dried, and ground into powder before undergoing acid hydrolysis using 0.5 M H₂SO₄ at 121 °C to produce fermentable sugars. The hydrolysate was neutralized and fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae at controlled temperatures and fermentation times, followed by distillation to obtain bioethanol. The results indicated that optimal conditions of 30 °C fermentation temperature, pH 4, and 72-hours fermentation time produced the highest grey relational grade, corresponding to improved bioethanol yield and purity. Statistical analysis showed that fermentation temperature and pH significantly influenced yield, while pH was the most influential factor affecting purity. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmed the presence of functional groups and compounds characteristic of ethanol-based biofuels. These findings demonstrate that cassava peels can serve as an effective feedstock for sustainable bioethanol production, and that optimization of fermentation parameters significantly enhances fuel quality and production efficiency.

Source: Biotechnology Notes

DOI: 10.1016/j.biotno.2026.08.002

Authors: Joseph Yusuf John, Dangana Mallam Kulla, S. Narayan, Mohd Farid Muhamad Said, Shitu Abubakar

Institutions: Ahmadu Bello University, Tecnológico de Monterrey, University of Technology Malaysia

Language: English

Topic: Biofuel production and bioconversion

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Zero hunger, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $700